VALUE AND USE
SPECIES: Salix lanata ssp. richardsonii | Richardson Willow 



WOOD PRODUCTS VALUE : 
NO-ENTRY


IMPORTANCE TO LIVESTOCK AND WILDLIFE : 
Richardson willow is an important food source for moose, caribou, mule
deer, muskrat, and beaver [13,23,24,26,31].  During the winter in
Alaska, moose feed primarily on shoots of current growth of willow
(Salix spp.), quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides), paper birch (Betula
papyrifera), and balsam poplar (Populus balsamifera) growing as shrubs
or saplings in young, seral communities.  Of the preceding species,
willow is the most preferred by moose [23].  Of the more than 20 species
of willow found in Denali National Park, Richardson willow was one of
three species utilized the most [26].  In one study, willows comprised
94 percent of total biomass consumed by moose from January to April,
with Richardson willow comprising 6.1 percent [31].
 


PALATABILITY : 
Richardson willow is considered moderately palatable.  In one study,
Richardson willow was consumed by moose to a greater extent when
occurring in mixed stands with highly preferred species than when
growing in pure stands [26].  Willow palatability increases as the
season progresses [26].
 


NUTRITIONAL VALUE : 
Nutrient composition of Richardson willow consumed by moose in Denali
National Park, Alaska, from January to April, 1984, was as follows [31]:

     gross energy:  5.08 kcal/g
     percent in vitro digestible organic matter:  39.4
     percent of dry matter:  5.9
     percent lignin:  19.4
     percent ash:  2.8
     percent ether extract:  8.3

The spring protein concentration of willow twigs is three times greater
than that of willow bark.  Calcium concentration is greater in bark than
in twigs, and phosphorus concentration is greater in twigs than in bark
[27].
   


COVER VALUE : 
Richardson willow characteristically produces dense thickets along
streams and rivers, which provide thermal and hiding cover for mule
deer.  Branches are used by beaver in the construction of dams and lodges [24].
Richardson willow can stabilize streambanks when thickets are dense by
moderately undercutting the bank, which provides hiding and resting
cover for fish [24].


VALUE FOR REHABILITATION OF DISTURBED SITES : 
Richardson willow is useful in stabilizing streambanks and providing
erosion control on severely disturbed sites [11].  Willow species are
the most important colonizers of disturbed sites in the Alaskan taiga
because of their ability to produce root and root crown shoots, which
provide for quick recovery [13,37].  At an Alaskan arctic coastal plain
site, Richardson willow colonized bare areas of tundra after removal of
debris that had been there for 30 years.  High percentage cover occurred
on sites with favorable moisture and nutrient regimes [8].  Richardson
willow was found to be a poor colonizer in areas where crude oil was
spilled; plant recovery and establishment were extremely slow on these
spills [16].

Willow planting, using stem cuttings, has been recognized as a valuable
tool for restoring riparian habitat.  Restoration of riparian habitat
benefits a large number of wildlife species [24].
  


OTHER USES AND VALUES : 
Richardson willow is an important nectar producer for bees [29].  Tough,
flexible shoots of Richardson willow can be woven into baskets and
furniture [2].  Native Americans used the broth from boiled bark for
sore throats and tuberculosis [2 ].


MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS : 
Richardson willow is an important source of browse for moose in Alaska.
If the management objective is to provide moose habitat and if
environmental manipulation of species composition is possible, then only
the growth of preferred species, such as Richardson willow, should be
considered [26].
 

Related categories for Species: Salix lanata ssp. richardsonii | Richardson Willow